The LNP is pushing for all firefighters in the Bundaberg and Burnett region to receive the same workers compensation regardless of whether they work full-time or volunteer.
Today the Finance and Administration Committee is due to hand down its report into the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015, and Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett is hopeful the committee will endorse the LNP’s proposed legislation to protect all firefighters.
Mr Bennett said while the LNP wants to ensure protection for all firefighters, the Palaszczuk Labor government is discriminating against volunteers.
“Our community is protected by selfless firefighters who put their lives on the line to keep us and our property safe,” he said.
“It seems a small act to repay this sacrifice by ensuring fair workers compensation is in place if a firefighter suffers from a disease, including cancers, in the course of their employment.
“While the LNP is fighting for every firefighter to have this protection whether they are permanent, part-time, auxiliary or a volunteer rural firefighter, Labor is wanting to pick and choose.
“Labor is pushing for a fire quota that only volunteer firefighters must meet making them attend 150 fires before receiving workers compensation.
“This is nothing more than discrimination, it is unfair and an insult to those volunteers selflessly putting themselves in harm’s way for our protection.”
Shadow Minister for Police, Fire, Emergency Services and Corrective Services Jarrod Bleijie said he was hopeful the Finance and Administration Committee recommends to scrap Labor’s unfair 150 fire quota on volunteer firefighters.
“It is time the Labor Palaszczuk Government put politics aside and give volunteer firefighters a fair deal,” Mr Bleijie said.
“The LNP’s proposed bill would see firefighters receive the highest level of support in the country and is supported by the industry and the community.
“Labor owes it to Queenslanders to support the LNP’s Bill so our rural firies get the level of support they deserve.”
[ENDS] 4 September 2015